How Long Does Balsamic Vinegar Last? Does it Go Bad?

Did you find a bottle of balsamic vinegar in your fridge? Now you might be thinking can it be used, or do balsamic vinegar go bad?

As one do not want to waste such a costly condiment and throw it out.

However, this is not necessary that one surely need to discard it because vinegar like these can be stored easily for a specific period.

Thus we must know about the bad signs that indicate bad balsamic vinegar.

By this, we will be able to eliminate its consumption and save ourselves from any possible illnesses.

What Is Balsamic Vinegar?

This vinegar is most commonly made in the city of Modena, which is also its birth origin.

It is dark brown in color and is extracted from the fermented juice of grapes.

It has a distinct taste that is bold and complex at first; then, you will get a tart aftertaste.

These are used in different dishes, including salad dressing, marinades, stir-fries, and many other food items.

The vinegar contains many health benefits, which you will commonly found them in people’s diets.

They are a great contributor to weight loss diets as they have acetic acid and include strains of probiotics bacteria.

All vinegar contains anti-obesity characteristics, and they keep you full for an extended period; thus, they result in weight loss.

This is healthy bacteria that will improve your gut and provide healthy digestion.

It is a diabetes-friendly condiment; hence, you can add it to the diet of a diabetic person and avoid blood sugar spikes.

How Long Does Balsamic Vinegar Last? Does Balsamic Vinegar Go Bad?

You have seen that all the bottles of balsamic vinegar come with a sell-by date.

But these dates do not specify that they have gone bad beyond them.

The manufacturer provides the dates, and they indicate the life till which the quality and flavor of the vinegar will be at the peak.

Thus one can easily have it even after the date if they have stored the bottle correctly.

Although the vinegar does not go bad, it loses its quality if you keep it for an extended period.

If we talk about the shelf life of vinegar, then it can be stored for an indefinite time.

The external factors cannot deteriorate the vinegar until the bottle is closed.

Therefore if you are not planning to use it recently, then one must not open the lid of the bottle.

On the other hand, if you open the bottle, you can use it only for 3 years beyond the sell-by date.

That is because they come in contact with air and moisture, which can make them lose their quality.

Therefore it is essential that one should follow good storage measures to keep the vinegar safe.

How to Tell if Balsamic Vinegar Has Gone Bad?

• Sell By Date

For vinegar, you can rely on the sell-by date provided with it.

There will surely be a risk of eating vinegar that is bad; thus, you must not use the vinegar if it has it has been 3 to 5 years.

For an open jar or bottle, this is the only period they can retain their quality; therefore, one should not have long-stored vinegar.

The vinegar will lose its freshness and might probably have some other signs of spoilage.

• Examine the Condition of the Bottle

When you are unsure about the period of storage, you cannot tell how long vinegar has been a store.

That time you can examine the bottle’s condition to check its freshness.

The storage should be done in glass and sealed containers to preserve its quality.

So you can check if there is a hole or opening in the bottle because then they will have gone bad because of more prolonged exposure to air and moisture.

• Discoloration

Fresh balsamic vinegar does have a glossy and shiny appearance and has a dark brown color.

But when you increase its storage period, then the color begins to change.

That means you will notice a haziness and alteration in color.

But one does not have to worry as it is not a sign of spoilage and can happen because of improper storage.

How to Store Balsamic Vinegar?

• Keep Vinegar Away From Light

The vinegar is made with fermentation because if it is exposed to heat, its components can break down.

Therefore it will be better to store the bottle in a cool place without any exposure to heat.

Also, they must not be kept in direct sunlight as it will faster the oxidation process, and your vinegar will go rancid in no time.

• Choose the Right Container

When storing your vinegar, you need to select the right jar or container.

That is because if you use a wet bottle, then the vinegar will begin to go bad, and you will have no idea about it.

Choose containers that are properly sealed and do not contain any holes.

• Do Not Refrigerate Vinegar

You might think that keeping the bottle in the fridge will be a good idea, but you are mistaken.

The quality of vinegar can only be retained when you keep it at room temperature.

The refrigerator will dilute the vinegar, which can make it bad thus, be sure to store it at room temperature.

Conclusion

One can store the vinegar in an airtight container if they are unsure about keeping it in the original container.

The kitchen cupboard will be a good area for storage as they are away from heat and light.

But be sure that they are free from bugs and pests.

You can preserve your vinegar for extended periods by following the earlier-mentioned storage measures.